Tharoor spots silver lining as Hormuz tensions boost Kerala's Vizhinjam port traffic

Amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global shipping routes, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has highlighted an unexpected opportunity for India, pointing to a surge in activity at Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency.

In a post on X, Tharoor said nearly 100 vessels are either queued or seeking berthing at the port, signalling a shift in global maritime traffic. “The Strait of Hormuz crisis has shifted global shipping eyes to my constituency,” he wrote, calling it a significant moment for India’s maritime ambitions.

Vizhinjam Port, the country’s first deep-water transshipment hub, has seen rapid growth in recent months. Tharoor noted that the port handled its one millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in record time and is now fast-tracking Phase II expansion. In March 2026 alone, it handled 61 vessels, marking a new operational high.

The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping chokepoint, have pushed companies to look for stable alternatives. Tharoor said Vizhinjam is increasingly emerging as a reliable gateway in this evolving scenario.

“From handling its 1 millionth TEU in record time to fast-tracking Phase II, Vizhinjam is officially India's transshipment answer to the world. When I first helped bring in the tender bid that made the port a reality, it was a long-shot project with plenty of sceptics and critics,” he said.

Recalling the project’s early days, Tharoor said it once faced significant doubt but has now transformed into a critical maritime asset.

“With the world looking for a new, reliable gateway, Vizhinjam has answered the call,” he added, describing the port as a “global necessity.”

The port’s expansion plans further highlight its growing importance, with work underway to enable simultaneous berthing of up to five motherships, which is expected to significantly enhance capacity.

Tharoor also positioned Vizhinjam as a serious competitor to global hubs such as Colombo and Singapore, suggesting it could set new benchmarks in transshipment.

“61 vessels handled in March 2026 alone, a new record. 100 berthing calls pending. Expansion underway to accommodate 5 motherships simultaneously. We are witnessing the birth of a maritime giant that doesn't just compete with global hubs like Colombo or Singapore; it sets a new standard,” he wrote.

As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade routes, Vizhinjam’s rise underscores how strategic infrastructure can turn disruption into opportunity, strengthening India’s position in global shipping.

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